34

Adisa yawned as he crept towards the Cellar. He knew that few would be up, but he should still be careful in his movements.

As usual, the Cellar Hog was awake and at work. Vinicio was always an early riser due to the fact that cooks got up early for breakfast. It suited Adisa now that Vinicio occupied the Cellars to himself.

The hedgehog greeted the civet, and led him to the small room that the hedgehog had given to Elial to use. Only Vinicio had the key, and thus prevented anyone from accidentally running into the old fox.

Elial was already up, sipping contentedly at a glass of apple juice. There was also a small bowl of porridge on a little table, which Elial sat next to.

The wizened fox smiled pleasantly enough at the civet, but there was still a hint of the irony of the situation, "Slept well?"

"I tried my best,' Adisa replied, 'but I was haunted by the dreams of the past."

Elial's smile faded, "I can imagine that it would chase you for the rest of your life. I know what that feeling is like."

Adisa frowned, "You have that feeling? Being a mercenary and a creature who has committed the sins enough for twenty other creatures?"

Elial grunted, "If I had listened to the first preacher with that message, do you think I'd be here now?"

Adisa saw the wisdom in that, and apologized for patronizing, "That is one of the things I myself despise in others."

Elial nodded, "It's not the most admirable quality in a personality, and it can lead to your undoing."

Adisa sighed. He was still tired from waking up in the middle of the night: he had been unable to sleep for an hour or so.

Elial suddenly looked at the civet enquiringly, "What was the name of your friend the hedgehog?"

Without thinking, Adisa spoke Arly's name.

Adisa suddenly realized that he had not connected the fact that he should hate this fox. He had of course ordered the two rats to killed Arly, who had been a good person and had not deserved to be murdered in such a cowardly fashion.

Elial, could see hate being built up almost naturally in the civet's eyes, "If you want to hate me, then I should give you all the reasons to hate me. I was the one who slit the hedgehog's throat. I stood by and watched my lackies desecrate his body with their knives and rob him of valuables."

He paused, but then continued quickly, "Although you cannot deny that I ended the hedgehog's suffering. And if you still want to kill me, then remember who employed me. I had no problem with Alonzo before I was paid to kill him. Who paid me?"

Through the anger he had not realized he had, Adisa knew that Elial was a mercenary, and that the real person to blame was the old otter who had paid this creature to bring about the death of his friend.

Elial raised an eyebrow at the effect he had caused, "You want the Abbott destroyed, don't you?"

Adisa paused, and saw the traps in the answers he could give. But it caused him to think about the question hard. Did he want Varrus dead? Of course, he thought. But why? For justice, Adisa had always thought. But was it really about justice and not about a deep urge for vengeance that he had disguised even from himself? What was he really expecting to happen to the old otter? It was suddenly a confusing question, and Adisa did not have an answer to give.

Elial smiled at the civet's hesitation, "Don't spend too much time thinking about it. If you want justice, that's fine, but vengeance is an equally good reason. He wiped out your whole family and stole everything from you."

"I should be above such things. I should count myself to have more dignity than that otter," said Adisa in a resentful tone.

Elial chuckled, "If you weren't above that decrepit, then you would have murdered the two rats that murdered your friend the hedgehog, and you would certainly have killed me. If you weren't above that otter you wouldn't have recovered from your miserable state of anger and hate. You wouldn't have come here just to scare him and seek revenge through justice. And if you want vengeance, then take it. It is a reward for your commitment to dignity and honour."

Adisa did not know what to say. He merely shrugged, "Do you want a bird for your supper tonight?"

Elial grinned, "Aye. If you can, a nice plump swallow will do. That, or a pheasant. I've always been partial to pheasant."

Adisa liked pheasant too, and decided he himself would enjoy that kind of bird.

He set out towards the thickest part of Mossflower, seeking a pheasant roost somewhere.

It was almost noon by the time he set out, and he figured that he would not be missed at lunch.

But if he knew he was being followed, then things would have been much different.

"" "" "" "" "" "" "" """ ""

Varrus was keen to expel Adisa, for the civet would then be taken away from his sight forever. He had ordered Verso to tail the civet if ever he went off alone. And the mole stayed true to his word: though Adisa hadn't noticed, his journeys were being monitored by the mole and his friends.

So, when the civet headed off into the forest, they followed him confidantly, knowing the forest better than the civet did.

As Adisa loped along, looking around him and listening, Verso kept very quiet and tried to figure out what the civet was doing. The mole had no idea what the civet was up to. Maybe he was seeking to complete some kind of ritual? Verso knew Varrus would like that one, so he edged closer, hoping for such an event to occur.

Adisa was surprisingly unaware of being tailed. But of course, he was no expert at it like Ben or Elial, and he was putting all focus on finding a nice pheasant to eat.

Time seemed to take a long time when little happened. Adisa remembered the times where he and his brother would go hunting for birds with their father. They had been good memories, even though there had been so many bad ones from that time.

Adisa remembered his father teaching them how to walk without sound in the forest, and to be incredibly slow and careful when dipping your paw into the water to catch a fish, and then be quick as lightning when throwing it onto the shore.

Adisa had always been the quickest in catching fish. Every time he would catch three for every one that his brother brought back, and before long he could come home with two fish when his father came home empty-handed.

Eventually, Adisa heard what he was listening for: the cackling call of a pheasant. And judging by the echoes, there were several of them in one place.

Creeping forward, he could see a tiny clearing coming out of the endless lines of trees. Trying to stay as quiet as possible, Adisa crept forward, preparing to spring forward and take a pheasant down before it could fly away.

Peering through the shrubs, he could see, in the light of the sun bursting through the little clearing, no less than six plump pheasants. They strutted and wobbled, occasionally snapping at each other when they crossed paths. They had no idea that a civet was peering at them so intently.

Adisa waited for one to get very close, so close he could reach out and grab it. But these birds were taking their time. They also seemed quite content to stay where they were, in the warm light of the clearing.

Adisa decided that he would have to spring out if the birds didn't come close enough. Slowly, as quietly as possible, he unlooped a sling from his belt. Taking a stone, he prepared to strike the nearest bird unconscious.

Verso, meanwhile, had crept around to the other side of the clearing, watching Adisa's pointed face through the bushes. Adisa was so concentrated that he did not notice anything else, much to the mole's advantage. He could see the six pheasants, and at one point he could swear that one of the birds looked at him for a full fifteen seconds before resuming it's business. A mole was no threat to a pheasant, but they still avoided his part of the clearing.

Much to Adisa's surprise and fortune, the birds headed towards his side of the clearing almost intentionally. He wondered why as he spun his sling through the air.

The stone flew like lightning before striking on of the birds clean to the side of the head. Instantly unconscious, the bird flopped over and lay on the ground. The others flew into the air squawking shrilly,

Adisa pulled out his knife and stepped into the clearing. He saw that the bird was still alive, and slit its throat to put it out of its misery. Blood spurted out suddenly, splashing the civet's head and habit. Adisa cursed, but immediately apologized to the dead bird.

Verso could not believe his eyes. He had never seen blood spill, and the sight was enough to make the mole want to vomit. Clutching his stomach, Verso shut his eyes tight to keep from moaning. Shivers went through him and coursed along his spine. It was horrible! he thought. No one should be slain in such cold blood, or such casuality. Much like his old friend Arly had been killed...

As he thought of Arly, Verso began to weep. Struggling to keep himself silent, he peered through the tears to see where Adisa had gone. But the civet had disappeared, leaving behind a bloody pool in the clearing.

Verso shook his head from another spasm at the sight of the blood, and quickly hurried through the brush towards the short cut that would take him back to Redwall before Adisa ever got there. He had found the evidence to defeat the civet, and he wanted to see the civet exiled once and for all.

"" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" "" """

Adisa did not go to Redwall immediately: he headed for a large beech tree that he had found while on the run from Arly's killers. He had stayed there when the hedgehog had been murdered, and noted its silence and isolation. It would now serve as a rendezvous between him and Elial. The old fox had agreed that they should meet off Abbey grounds as often as possible in terms of his favourite food. The smell of the meat would be noticed by a vegetarian population.

Adisa roasted the pheasant on a spit, sighing contentedly as he inhaled the scent of the bird cooking over his fire. The civet had discarded of the habit, taking a replacement from his satchel. He decided to bury it somewhere where it would not be found.

A low whistle announced Elial's arrival. The old fox smiled as he entered the warmth of the fire, gazing at the bird roasted to near perfection.

Adisa grinned as he sampled a piece with his knife, his mouth smacking from the heat of the food, "I was always the best cook in the family." He looked at the old fox, and his grin slid from his face. The fox was not looking at him, but Adisa felt some bad vibes from the old fox. He could never forget the death of Alonzo, but there was something else in this fox that made Adisa feel bad. Did he know this fox from somewhere? Had he met this fox before?

Elial sat down slowly and carefully upon a log Adisa had rolled towards the fire for such a purpose. Adisa handed him his share of the pheasant, and tucked into his own portion. It felt refreshing to eat meat again.

The two of them ate their meal in silence. They were wary of each other, for reasons that they may not have understood.

At least, Elial understood for sure. He glanced at the civet a number of times, staring intently at his face, as if wondering something.

Adisa made no comment. He was not going to make small talk with the old fox. He needed him to bring Varrus down, but that was it.

The civet finished his meal faster than the fox, and got up abruptly, "I need to head back to the Abbey. The lunch is almost finished, and duties will soon begin."

Elial nodded almost absent-mindedly, then spoke, "What was your father's name?"

Adisa took a step back in surprise, "What?"

"Your father's name. I want to know what it was."

"You knew my father?"

"Maybe I did, maybe I didn't. What was he called?"

"...his name was Azubuike."

To his surprise, Elial repeated it perfectly, as though he understood that tongue. The old fox's eyes glazed over, and he repeated the name, as though trying to place it. Then he gave a knowing smile at Adisa, "The shamans do indeed seem to tell the future, don't they? They knew exactly how you would turn out, and the role of your father. You were both named so perfectly."

Adisa growled, for he too had found it chillingly ironic at how accurate the situation seemed. But he did not like how this fox had such knowledge of his culture: his touch seemed tainted, and Adisa did not want the old fox connected to his people.

He turned around and headed back to Redwall.

To face his downfall.

"" "" "" "" "" "" """ "" "" "" ""

Adisa never saw it coming, and even in hindsight he knew he could never have done anything to prevent it.

The moment he re-entered the Great Hall, he was confronted by three Brothers of Redwall. Both their faces were grave, and Adisa could tell they had been two of Varrus' supporters. They looked at him with such suspicion and hate that there could only be one person that could have persuaded them to feel that way. Adisa had found it tragic that some creatures followed orders and traditions so well that it drove out all reason and thought.

However, he felt that there was nothing amiss outside of perhaps an attack on his race or his religious past (technically, he was still what they considered a 'pagan', but his bravado had put much belief that he had converted).

As he looked at their eyes, he noticed something else. It was a look that had been overshadowed by dislike and distrust. It was a smug look of triumph in their gazes. They knew something, or they thought they did. Adisa wondered what was going on.

One of the brothers spoke, "Could you kindly come with us to Cavern Hole, Adisa? You must look after the Dibbuns this afternoon." Adisa recognized him as Brother Gores, the Recorder of Redwall.

Adisa was surprised. He had never taken that duty before, but he hadn't thought much of it. What was going on?

"When was this decided?" Adisa asked.

"I think it's best if you come with us,' Gores insisted, and the other two stepped to the side of the civet so as to avoid any escape. Adisa was trapped.

"I say! What's going on?" An angry voice called out. Adisa jumped, recognizing Conrad's voice.

Gores glared angrily at the younger mouse, "This does not concern you, Brother Conrad." He and Conrad had opposed each other at Elfwin's trial, and they still stared at one another with suspicion.

Conrad folded his arms after taking off his ridiculously small glasses, "You have no right to take this creature unwillingly anywhere, Gores. Have you forgotten Redwall's reputation?"

Gores frowned, clearly irritated, but then adopted a condescending tone, "Careful who you lecture about Redwall. I have been here far longer than you, Brother, and I have been entrusted with several sacred duties. Are you suggesting I am not worthy of those roles?"

Conrad was silent. He knew when to keep his mouth shut.

Adisa frowned, then looked at Conrad, "I will go with them Brother. This whole situation has become ridiculously exaggerated."

Conrad's eyes widened, and it seemed to the civet that he was about to say something that would acknowledge their deeper acquaintance. He cut across, "This is not your business, brother, with all respect, of course." He allowed himself to be led away past Conrad.

Gores turned back to Conrad, "Your presence is also required, Brother."

Conrad stood where he was for a moment, then began to hurry off towards Cavern Hole from another route.

Gores repeated his message to all the other robed Brothers and Sisters of Redwall that he saw. All the while, Adisa was kept in custody between the younger monks.

Adisa knew that he was in trouble, but there was nothing he could do about it now.

When they finally arrived in Cavern Hole, the Brothers and Sisters of Redwall had been organized in a circle. Varrus stood at the far end of the circle, within the ring of the Brothers and Sisters. Adisa could not make out his expression, but he was soon standing in the center of the circle.

"Brother Adisa,' Varrus began in a sombre tone, 'you have placed yourself upon our judgement, and you agreed to follow our ways, forsaking any false Gods in your past life and to take up a righteous life in the service of Redwall."

For a limited time, Varrus, Adisa fumed, but he kept silent.

Varrus paced the floor around him, circling Adisa like a wolf would encircle its prey, "For this time you have proven yourself by attending all ceremonies and practicing all traditions. There was some question about your true character, but it seemed to be mere gossip."

Varrus was enjoying this, Adisa thought. He was making this look like a circus show.

The old otter stopped and looked the civet straight in the eye, "Yet now we have heard of a report that states you have blood on your hands."

Adisa suddenly straightened up. A trace of fear entered his body. What was this about?

Varrus continued, "You have slain an innocent creature, sacrificing it to your pagan gods, and dining upon it afterwards."

Adisa was getting scared inside; how did they know of this? And what did they know of Elial?

"" "" "" ""

Varrus was remarkably composed and grim for this situation. Of course, the old otter knew that it was not done yet, and much could go wrong.

But he was so close! So close he could smell it! The feeling that Adisa would disappear once again and never be permitted to return. The excitement at the peaceful exile he had lived for so long returning made it hard for Varrus to keep his composure. But this was in front of the Brothers and Sister of Redwall, and if he turned them now, he would be safe.

"" "" "

Adisa allowed himself one look around at the Brothers and Sisters. It was not a frightened glance, almost a confidant, lazy gaze, though it did not reflect Adisa's feelings.

He looked around and saw that Conrad had taken up his place among them. He was not looking at Adisa, as though the civet was not worth staring at. As much as he felt hurt and scared by this action from one of his only allies, Adisa realized this was the logical thing to do.

Mother Sara and Vinicio were there too, their faces neutral. Foremole, not being a brother of Redwall, was not there. Indeed, most of the Brothers and Sisters of Redwall were mice, even though a number of others lived in Redwall that had not taken the sacred oaths.

Adisa turned back to the Abbott, "What is this all about? What is-"

"- You will refrain from speech until spoken to." Varrus overrode him sternly, but without any mockery or exultance. He was acting the role of a judge, and acting as such quite brilliantly.

Varrus waited a second before continuing, "I have been given testimony that you killed a bird in cold blood, spoke in your native tongue, praying to heathen gods, before taking the corpse away and dining upon a murdered animal. Do you deny it?"

Adisa frowned, "Where is this testimony from?"

Varrus too frowned, "That is irrelevant. These people have seen and heard the witness, who swore on his eternal soul that he saw you murder a pheasant and speak in your tongue."

Adisa looked hard at Varrus, "You had me followed."

Varrus gave a small smile, "Let it be noted that he has confessed to the killing of a pheasant." Some murmurs broke out among the hooded figures. Adisa realized that the murder of a pheasant, alone, was not a good crime to persecute him for. What was the difference between killing a pheasant, and killing a fish on Abbey feasts? Were otters murderers?

Of course, with the other accusations, the damning evidence piled up. By the great spirits, but who had followed him? Adisa silently cursed himself for allowing himself to be followed.

Varrus spoke again, "What have you to say in your defence of your second offence?"

Adisa gave a cold smile, "Is it not true that when we take a life in Redwall, such as a fish, we pray for forgiveness? I merely did the same in my own native tongue."

Varrus looked angry, for he saw the logic in it. He spoke swiftly to still the hubbub that would have broken out, "But did you pray to the one and only God, or did you call upon heresy?"

Adisa opened his mouth to speak, but Varrus beat him to it, "Swear now upon your love for your mother that you prayed to the proper God, or face defiling her memory forever."

Adisa almost roared in anger. Varrus had used one of the most sacred oaths in civet culture, for if one could not love the people that created and looked after him, then they were not truly good people. Adisa dared not defile his mother's memory with a lie, and thus kept silent.

Varrus smiled, "He cannot deny his heresy."

He turned to look at the circle of monks and nuns, "Brothers and Sisters of Redwall, you have seen the evidence against this creature, and you have seen the untruth in his answers and in his being."

He turned back to Adisa, "Adisa, you are banished from Redwall Abbey, never to return and enter its hallowed gates. You are declared an outcast."

Some monks in the circle gasped, for they had not thought the punishment would have been that severe. But most nodded their heads. They had been persuaded by Varrus' interrogation.

Adisa gave a cold smile, trying to salvage his dignity, looking at nobody but Varrus, and was escorted from Redwall Abbey.

Varrus had won, and had cast Adisa out of Redwall for good.